On February 17, 2026, it marks one year since the launch of the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC). The first results demonstrate not only progress in support, but also Ukraine’s growing role within the Alliance’s security system.
Today, dozens of military personnel from Ukraine and NATO member states held a ceremonial event at JATEC headquarters in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
“Establishing a new organization within NATO’s structure, jointly managed by NATO and Ukraine, is an ambitious task. I am proud of our staff, whose professionalism, creativity, and dedication turn this vision into reality every day,” said JATEC Commander Brigadier General Wojciech Ozga.
The Center has identified five areas of work: military development, digitalization, education, comprehensive defense, and transformation and interoperability. In 2025, JATEC played a key role in organizing three innovation challenges for Ukraine.
“JATEC has become a bridge for Ukraine’s practical integration into NATO through the exchange of experience across all areas of our project activities,” said Senior National Representative of Ukraine and JATEC Implementation Director Colonel Valerii Vyshnivskyi.
He added that, for the first time, Ukrainian experts and Alliance analysts are working as equal partners to help adapt NATO doctrine, improve capability development, and accelerate technological innovation.
What is JATEC
The Center began operating exactly one year ago and became the first partner organization within NATO’s structure. It analyzes the Russia–Ukraine war, facilitates interoperability between NATO and Ukraine, and supports transformational defense initiatives aimed at deeper integration.
Ukraine holds equal status with NATO member states within JATEC. This format enables faster adaptation of cooperation approaches with the Alliance.
Through JATEC, innovation for the modern battlefield is being advanced, along with the adaptation of defense planning processes. In this context, the Center creates a “window of opportunity” with a unified vision of collective defense mechanisms and serves as a strategic bridge between Ukraine and NATO.
Innovation and capability development
In 2025, three NATO Innovation Challenges were conducted with full-cycle support for innovative solutions for Ukraine.
In countering aerial threats, three solutions were selected:
- an AI-based UAV targeting solution from Alta Ares (with confirmed engagements of Shahed, Gerbera, and Supercam drones);
- an interceptor drone from Tytan;
- the “drone wall” concept from Atreyd.
For countering fiber-optic FPV drones, the following were selected:
- a low-cost 3D radar from KMB Telematics Inc. (Canada);
- an autonomous AI-powered counter-drone turret from Sentradel (USA);
- an automated turret from DONS (Ukraine).
In the medical field, three innovative solutions were selected:
- a continuous renal replacement therapy system (developer: Qidni Labs Inc.);
- a vacuum infuser for controlled drug administration (developer: MonuMedical LLC);
- a battlefield vital signs monitoring system (developer: Ixana).
In 2026, within the innovation track, JATEC will focus on protecting vehicles on the battlefield from all types of UAVs and guided aerial bombs.
Ukraine’s participation in NATO collective defense exercises
JATEC integrates Ukrainian expertise into the planning, conduct, and evaluation of NATO collective security exercises. For the first time, the North Atlantic Council approved the participation of Ukrainian representatives in the corps-level headquarters exercise LOYAL DOLOS 25 (under Article 5).
For the first time, a Ukrainian representative also took part in a meeting of NATO’s Military Training and Exercise Programme Planning Board. Additionally, for the first time in NATO history, during the REPMUS/Dynamic Messenger 25 exercise, planning and coordination of OPFOR forces were led by the Ukrainian Navy. Ukraine’s DELTA situational awareness system was used as the primary command and control tool.
Engagement of Ukrainian companies
JATEC involved Ukrainian companies for the first time in joint NATO research, analytical work, and innovation activities. This approach enabled two Ukrainian companies last year to secure research contracts.
At the same time, work continues on contracting the winners of the NATO Innovation Challenge focused on countering guided aerial bombs and fiber-optic FPV drones, funded through the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP TF). Starting in 2026, a number of projects under the JATEC program will be financed through this package.
Analytics and digitalization
Last year, digitalization efforts focused on achieving advantages in the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. In particular, Ukraine’s Defense Forces received AI/ML models for testing on real data to assess fire cycle effectiveness, target identification accuracy, and threat forecasting for critical infrastructure.
Interoperability
During its first year, JATEC developed and aligned implementation plans for four priority interoperability requirements:
- studying and implementing lessons learned;
- reserve force development;
- medical support;
- professional military education and training.
JATEC’s participation has contributed to progress in coordination measures for implementing the Ukraine–NATO Interoperability Roadmap.
